Marquez feeling confident with new Michelin front tyre

Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez has said that he is happy with the new Michelin front tyre that riders will use from this weekend.

After crashing out of fourth position during the French Grand Prix last weekend and falling 27 points behind current series leader Maverick Viñales.

Following the French Grand Prix a fortnight ago, Marquez along with a whole host of other riders went to the Circuit of Catalunya in Barcelona for further testing, including with the new, polarizing Michelin front tyre.

Marquez said that the new front provided less movement than the existing front and provided him with more consistency throughout the lap.

“As for the test, we worked on the bike setup and we especially focused in trying the Michelin front tyre that we’ll use starting with the next race in Mugello,” said the 24-year-old.

“With this tyre I experienced less movement on the front, and the feeling was more consistent throughout the lap.

“It remains to understand how it will go for an entire race, but anyway, with my riding style I generally feel better with it and I’m confident that in Mugello it will help me a bit more.”

This weekend also marks the first time the paddock has been together since the tragic passing for 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden. The American passed away the Monday following the French Grand Prix after a cycling incident and Marquez noted his early memories alongside Hayden in the paddock.

“We were preparing to leave for Montmeló for a one-day test last week when we received the terrible news of Nicky’s passing,” he said. “He was a great rider and an incredible person.”

“I remember once, when I was a kid of 15 at the very beginning of my career in the world championship and he was the MotoGP World Champion: We took part in an event together and my English was very poor, so he tried to speak Spanish and he was very funny and easy-going, treating me as if I was his little brother.

“And then we shared the garage last year in Australia and had a great party together after the race. Like his amazing family, he had a great passion for motorcycling, and he will always be in our hearts.”